How did the former Golden Knights do in the Stanley Cup Final?

While the Vegas Golden Knights were sitting at home watching the Stanley Cup Final, they had some representation in the championship round. Two players, one for each team, played in the final round.

Mattias Janmark of the Edmonton Oilers and Nick Cousins of the Florida Panthers battled it out for the right to hoist Lord Stanley. Ultimately, Florida won the title, 2-1, their first in franchise history, with Cousins winning the battle.

Such representation gave Vegas hockey fans something to pull for. Our favorite team isn't on the ice? No problem. That's where Janmark and Cousins came in. Fans were watching the Oilers center score goals and help Connor McDavid come close to bringing the most prestigious prize in sports to Canada. As for Florida, they watched Cousins help bring the Stanley Cup back to the United States.

With the series wrapping up on Monday, it also concludes the NHL season. It wraps up the memories of that respective season, along with the good and bad times. But enough about 2023-24 since the Vegas Golden Knights didn't win it all.

How did the former players do in the Stanley Cup Final? Did they make a positive impact on the championship round? One player had more of an impact than the other, contributing some goals. Here's how the former Golden Knights, Mattias Janmark and Nick Cousins, did. Keep in mind that Calvin Pickard didn't play a single minute in the final round.

Mattias Janmark was a bigger Stanley Cup Final contributor than Nick Cousins

Mattias Janmark had a good Stanley Cup Final, scoring two goals and two assists against the Florida Panthers. That included a short-handed goal in game four's blowout win. Overall, he scored four goals and four assists in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The former Vegas Golden Knights center provided key scoring on Edmonton's lower lines, putting them within a game of the Stanley Cup.

As for Nick Cousins? He only appeared in game six, getting a shot on goal. He was scratched for Kyle Okposo in the next game as a result. Overall, the former Golden Knights center had one assist in the playoffs. Granted, Cousins doesn't have a regular role like Mattias Janmark. However, that one assist was instrumental in helping Florida win the Stanley Cup Final.

Maybe the Vegas Golden Knights can get back

While the Vegas Golden Knights didn't get to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, having a couple of former players in the championship round incentivizes fans to cheer for something. Perhaps Vegas can return to the final round next season with a better team.

It's been mentioned numerous times what the team must do to get back there. One thing that both Edmonton and Florida did well was have solid offense. Whether it's having the best player in the NHL or deep lines, these franchises proved everything starts with building a solid foundation.

That's what makes this offseason paramount. Watching a divisional rival get within a game of the most coveted prize should motivate for next season. After all, the Golden Knights defeated those same Oilers en route to their first championship. But can Vegas bring the Stanley Cup back to Sin City for another night out? Stay tuned.